Sarah Roberts

Dr. Sarah Roberts is a versatile saxophonist whose career spans jazz, classical, and commercial music. She serves as Director of the School of Performing Arts and Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies at The University of Texas at Tyler. An active performer, Roberts leads her own jazz quartet and performs regularly throughout Texas with The Jazz Connection and Kris Berg’s Metroplexity Big Band. She has shared the stage with renowned artists including Phil Woods, Wayne Bergeron, Kirk Whalum, Johnny Mathis, The Temptations, Martina McBride, and Tom "Bones" Malone.

Equally at home as a soloist, chamber musician, and big band performer, Roberts has appeared with orchestras including the Plano, Texarkana, and Shreveport Symphonies, as well as ensembles such as the Dallas Winds and Lonestar Wind Orchestra. Her performances have taken her across the United States and internationally, including appearances and masterclasses in Switzerland and China.

A passionate advocate for jazz education, Roberts is a frequent clinician and adjudicator throughout Texas and the founder of the UT Tyler Jazz Camp, which has become a premier summer opportunity for young jazz musicians in East Texas. She has served in leadership roles with numerous arts organizations, including President of the Texas Jazz Educators Association and TMEA College Division Representative for Region 21. Her work as a performer and educator is rooted in a commitment to artistic excellence, mentorship, and fostering the next generation of jazz musicians.

Dr. Roberts holds degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of North Texas and is a Selmer Paris Performing Artist and Vandoren Regional Artist.